KOLOA — Charlotte Ayudan enjoys her lunches because she gets to eat with everybody at the same time. Ayudan is a participant in the Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity nutrition program at the Koloa Neighborhood Center. “There’s an important socialization aspect,” said Mel
KOLOA — Charlotte Ayudan enjoys her lunches because she gets to eat with everybody at the same time.
Ayudan is a participant in the Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity nutrition program at the Koloa Neighborhood Center.
“There’s an important socialization aspect,” said Mel Johnson, program volunteer. “Especially when you get older and friends are passing on.”
The meals are prepared in the KEO food service kitchen and delivered to congregate sites (neighborhood centers) three times a week, said Fred Maximo, who is in charge of the KEO program. At the sites, volunteers put the meals together and serve.
On Monday, lunch included a pastrami sandwich, fruit and milk. Johnson, Betty Kondo and Bernice Kubota accepted the ingredients that had been portioned and bagged. They then prepared the sandwiches and plated the lunches.
“Mel always makes it pretty,” said Susan Cox, Koloa Neighborhood Center manager. “Presentation is a big plus with Mel.”
The program is open to seniors who are 60 years and older. Participants need to pre-register with the Office of Elderly Affairs. Throughout Kaua‘i the program serves about 150 seniors.
The KEO Food Service Manager determines the menu following USDA guidelines. The meals are approved by a nutritionist, Maximo said.
Most of the 15 seniors at Koloa eat together, but some will take their meals home. Occasionally, a member is unable to attend. Johnson said a member had a hip injury, so her son picked up the meal for her.
“(KEO) does an excellent job in the preparation, quantity and selection of foods,” Johnson said. “I don’t know of any complaints.”
Filling in for Betty Kataoka who normally serves as the volunteer in charge of serving, Johnson said that often lunch is a hot meal delivered in steamed trays.
For participants who do not drive, Cox calls the Kaua‘i Bus to make arrangements.
Center members are gearing up for their annual bazaar scheduled for Oct. 7 featuring food, clothing and household items. They are currently accepting donations. For information, call Susan Cox at 742-1313.
• Cynthia Matsuoka is a freelance writer for The Garden Island and former principal of Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School. She can be reached by e-mail at aharju@kauaipubco.com.
